Showing posts with label Customer Photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Customer Photos. Show all posts

Thursday, July 25, 2013

What's Sabra Up To Now?


Hi everyone! Even though it’s been a few months since FabricLovers has transitioned from my hands to the new owners’ hands, I wanted to “pop in” and let you know what has been going on.

Wonder Wallet for Mexico
First off, for those who don't know me, I'm the original owner/creator of FabricLovers.com. I’m really excited about the energy and creative ideas that Beth, Dean, and  Yasmine have been incorporating into the company. They are bringing some fresh perspectives and are working hard to find the best fabrics and patterns to offer you. I like where they are headed, and I think you will, too! I know they are always looking for your comments and suggestions, so if you have something you’d like to say, be sure to leave a comment below.


Love my Wonder Wallets!
Even though I’m no longer running FabricLovers, I am still involved with it--it is my baby, after all!  I’ve been helping to bring Beth and Dean up-to-speed with the business, discussing how to make things run smoothly, and offering support in any way that I can. I am very thankful that they are serious about making it work and are committed to the business. It’s nice to know that FabricLovers will be around for a long time, and I look forward to shopping there myself!


 Now that I'm not working full time at FabricLovers, I’ve been able to get back into sewing, and I’m enjoying finishing projects that have been waiting too long to get done. Take this quilt for example.  This fabric came through the shop many years ago, and I just loved it, and now I’m finally able to do something with it. I’ve finished the top, and will be using this as a wall hanging.

Tried some fancy trim and stitches
I’ve also completed the Wonder Wallets pictured above and to the right.  I must say the Wonder Wallet pattern by Lazy Girl Designs is one of my favorites! It's so fast and easy, and uses so little fabric, I make one to go with every purse from the scraps I have left over. I also love that they hold loose change, and the change doesn't fall out! They are great travel wallets, but I find I use mine all the time, since I prefer to have less stuff to carry around. If you haven't tried a Wonder Wallet yet, you can get the pattern here; however, I must warn you--they are addictive! But they do make great gifts, so you'll always have a reason to make more. :-)

For my two newest purses, I thought the pink fabric would be perfect for our frequent trips to Mexico, plus I just loved the colors of the main print. I made the purple purse for our most recent trip to Costa Rica. Most of this fabric has been sitting in my closet for at least a year, so I’m happy to finally give it a new home!


One of the reasons we decided it was time to transition out of FabricLovers is that my husband and I will be moving to Costa Rica in four years—we’re just waiting for our youngest to graduate high school. We’ve fallen in love with Costa Rica, and have started up a new venture helping people discover how to live better for less in that beautiful country. That’s where our focus is now, and we’d love to have you stay in touch with us, and share in our journey, on our Facebook page, Blog, and/or Website. I know many of you already have, and it’s so special to see familiar faces—thanks! Also, we’re holding a Sweepstakes now through August 7th, so be sure to head over to our Facebook page and click on the “Win A Happier Book” icon to enter!

We just got back from another trip to Costa Rica, and thought you might enjoy this video we took at an animal rescue center there. The video is of our daughter and her friend holding baby Capuchin and Howler monkeys--and it ends with a surprise!


Well, that’s it for now, but I’m sure it won’t be the last you’ll be hearing from me as I will be commenting occasionally on the FabricLovers blog or Facebook page. I look forward to continued interaction with all of you! 

---Sabra

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Customer Interview

Today we have a treat as I am interviewing Andrea, a FabricLovers.com customer, who uses our fabrics to bind books! I just found out about her Etsy store, and I've fallen in love. lol  Stay tuned after the interview, as there is a special for our Blog readers!


Tell us a little about yourself and family
I live in northeast Ohio on a beautifully peaceful 550 acre lake 50 miles east of Cleveland with my husband and 11 year old boxer dog. Between my husband and I we have 4 kids and 6 amazingly beautiful grandkids.

Who in your life influenced your love of making things? How?   
 My mother has definitely been the inspiration in my life in so many ways. She has always created--whether it was painting, sewing, crafting, or picking up a power tool. Thanks to her I never felt there was anything I couldn't do, or at least attempt. I mean, I'm not saving lives here, what could happen if something went wrong?
How did you get interested in binding books?
I was in an international group that swapped art, and we decided to try book binding. I set out to learn about it by watching youtube videos and reading lots of books on the subject. After my first book was finished I was hooked.

What is your favorite part of the design process? 
I get excited over unusual or funky fabric, then choosing the perfect papers and binding methods. I have friends that call fabric my drug, and I suppose there is some truth in that! Sewing or the actual binding is very meditative to me. I always have music playing and really get lost in the process. I believe what gives my books soul is the fact I am a book nerd at heart--I love their feel in my hands and the places they can take me. That love is transferred to my books. 

Spine of book
What advice would you give to someone looking to sell their own items?
Don't be afraid. I have a couple of dear friends that a year ago encouraged me to quit giving my books away--that I should sell them, so I set up shop on Etsy. It was slow going at first (and still is at times!). Get business cards and postcards--I hand them out to anyone even remotely interested! Try vending at art/craft shows. Get yourself out there, set up a Facebook business page and a twitter account; both have helped me a ton. Never get discouraged, and seek out your best cheerleaders for encouragement when you get that give-it-up feeling.

Where can readers go to check out more of your art?
My Etsy shop is at http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluehighways, I do welcome custom orders which probably accounts for a third of my business. My Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/bluehighwaysbooks. Lastly my blog http://andrea-attheshores.blogspot.com/ a little bit of all my follies there.

As pretty inside as outside!
And finally, tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I've always wanted to get my pilot's license, and several years ago, I started taking lessons in Georgia but ended up moving to Ohio, so that got put on hold...one day I'll finish and soar with the birds! 

As a special for all of the blog readers, check out Andrea's Etsy shop, place an order, and use code FabricLovers during checkout to get 10% off! Thanks Andrea for this special discount, and for letting us interview you! I know I've got a Christmas present or two that will be taken care of in your Etsy shop. :-)

Another beautiful spine
 



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Customer Creations!

Looking for some inspiration or just a break with a treat for your eyes? Check out these recent photos sent in from some of our customers using fabric purchased at FabricLovers.com.










Do you have something you'd like to share? We LOVE to see where the fabric ends up! Send an email to info(at)FabricLovers(dot)com with your photo. We'll put your picture up in our Photo Gallery and you might even be featured in a blog post! How fun is that?